Red Currant vs Mountain Huckleberry - TreeTime.ca

Red Currant vs Mountain Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum

Ribes rubrum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Mountain Huckleberry
Red Currant

Mountain Huckleberry is a small shrub known for its tart to sweet berries. The berries range from purple-black to red-black, and can be eaten fresh or used in jams and syrups. It is a plant native to Alberta and the berries are frequently enjoyed by both people and wildlife.

In traditional Indigenous fire management practices, berry patches were burned after harvest. This would reduce the invasion of other plants allowing the Mountain Huckleberry to thrive. Its foliage has low flammability and can survive low severity fires, and even if destroyed they regrow from the roots.

Note: Mountain Huckleberry requires specific soil conditions. They need moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH around 5.5.

Red Currant is a deciduous shrub native to western Europe. It features five-lobed, maple-like leaves, and bright red berries that can be used in jams, sauces, and fresh eating.

Although this shrub is self-fertile, it will be more productive if another pollinator is present. For year over year high yields, ensure you fertilize (bone meal), prune, and mulch your Red Currant shrub.

Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Red Currant seeds at SeedTime.ca.

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Red Currant Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: dark purple
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none




Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry